Abstract: A method for preparing zinc oxide nanostructures using arc discharge is disclosed. The method comprises the provision of an anode and a cathode in an arc discharge chamber. Current is supplied to the anode and the cathode to establish an arc discharge between the cathode and the anode to vaporize the anode and produce zinc oxide nanostructures. Contemplated is the use of the zinc oxide nanostructures to produce components that have applications in, for example, optoelectronics, energy storage devices, field emission devices, and sensors such as UV photosensors, gas sensors and humidity sensors.

Abstract: A magnetometer (100) for measuring an external magnetic field has at least one core (102), two excitation coils (106a), (106b), and a pick-up coil (104). The at least one core (102) has a magnetoresistance property measurable in response to the external magnetic field (111). Each excitation coil (106a), (106b) is near or around opposite ends of the core (102) or near or around a respective core. The excitation coils (106a), (106b) are configured to be driven by an alternating current to partially saturate a magnetisation of the core during part of the AC cycle. The pick-up coil (104) is near or around at least a portion of the core (102) and the excitation coils (106a), (106b). The pick-up coil (104) is configured to carry a signal induced at least in the presence of the external magnetic field (111). The induced signal is measurable in response to the external magnetic field (111).

Abstract: A method for preparing magnetic materials is disclosed. The magnetic materials are prepared by implanting low energy magnetic ions into a substrate and annealing with a charged particle beam. Magnetic materials comprising magnetic nanoclusters in the near-surface region of a substrate are also disclosed. The magnetic materials are useful in, for example, magneto-electronic devices such as magnetic sensors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new class of Chloroflexi-like bacteria. The bacteria are thermophilic cellulose degrading bacteria. Compositions and methods for degrading cellulose using the Chloroflexi-like bacteria are also provided.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for estimating the tenderness of meat comprises scanning a sample of meat through an x-ray beam; detecting or measuring the transmitted x-ray radiation through the meat sample; relating the transmitted x-ray radiation to a characteristic of the shear force of the meat sample; and assessing the tenderness of the meat sample from the characteristic of the shear force.

Abstract: A method of estimating the strength of a wooden support wherein gamma rays (4) are transmitted and detected parallel to a neutral axis (5) through a cross section of the support. It also includes a method of locating regions of unsound wood in a wooden support using detection of transmitted gamma rays (4), as well as apparatus suitable for conducting both methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new class of Chloroflexi-like bacteria. The bacteria are thermophilic cellulose degrading bacteria. Compositions and methods for degrading cellulose using the Chloroflexi-like bacteria are also provided.

Abstract: A method of estimating the strength of a wooden support wherein gamma rays (4) are transmitted and detected parallel to a neutral axis (5) through a cross section of the support. It also includes a method of locating regions of unsound wood in a wooden support using detection of transmitted gamma rays (4), as well as apparatus suitable for conducting both methods.

Abstract: A method of estimating the strength of a wooden support wherein gamma rays (4) are transmitted and detected parallel to a neutral axis (5) through a cross section of the support. It also includes a method of locating regions of unsound wood in a wooden support using detection of transmitted gamma rays (4), as well as apparatus suitable for conducting both methods.

Abstract: A method of estimating the strength of a wooden support wherein gamma rays (4) are transmitted and detected parallel to a neutral axis (5) through a cross section of the support. It also includes a method of locating regions of unsound wood in a wooden support using detection of transmitted gamma rays (4), as well as apparatus suitable for conducting both methods.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for estimating the tenderness of meat comprises scanning a sample of meat through an x-ray beam; detecting or measuring the transmitted x-ray radiation through the meat sample; relating the transmitted x-ray radiation to a characteristic of the shear force of the meat sample; and assessing the tenderness of the meat sample from the characteristic of the shear force.

Abstract: A method of estimating the strength of a wooden support wherein gamma rays (4) are transmitted and detected parallel to a neutral axis (5) through a cross section of the support. It also includes a method of locating regions of unsound wood in a wooden support using detection of transmitted gamma rays (4), as well as apparatus suitable for conducting both methods.

Abstract: The properties of meat are assessed using a non-invasive dual-energy X-ray absorption scanner. Two images or arrays of the values representative of the intensities of the X-rays at two energy levels are produced (1). These are then processed to determine properties such as the chemical lean, fat percentage, weight, presence of contaminants and the tenderness of the scanned meat (2-5). The meat assessment includes a correction step to overcome unwanted instrumental effects.

Abstract: A system for on-line monitoring the stability of a scintillation detector, comprises means providing two beams of gamma rays from a subsidiary source which are distinguishable because of their time relationship from the primary source. The two beams are of similar energies but are oriented in different directions, with one directed into the scintillation detector and one acting as a reference beam and directed to a reference beam counter. The ratio of the detector-count rate for the timed events to the reference count rate is compared to provide an indication of any drift in the scintillation detector.

Abstract: A method and apparatus detects the presence of a number of substances such as explosives or drugs in a container such as luggage (10) at an airport. The containers, travelling on a conveyor (15) for example are irradiated with fast neutron and gamma source radiation (6) preferably simultaneously and preferably of different frequencies. The radiation is detected (7) and the extent to which each species of the source of radiation is transmitted through the container is measured. The measurements are analyzed with reference to the known characteristic attenuation coefficients and density properties of those substances for each species of the source radiation.